Riley Hoveland
Riley Hoveland is a proud liberal, a feminist, and state champion in Memorized Public Address.
For this month’s paper, I thought that it would be interesting to try something a little different. You know the end of ‘Family Feud,’ called “Fast Money?” Contestants try to guess the top answer from 100 surveyed participants. The topics range from something you would never tell your mother to a household appliance.
I thought that I would try something like that in our high school. I would ask 5 classes of students questions, record what they said, and then ask the teachers about what they thought the top answer would be. Sounds pretty interesting and exciting, right? I thought so, too. I decided to test it out on the Norse Code staff, just to see how it would pan over. What happened surprised me, but looking back on it, it makes sense. First of all, most students were not aware of what I was trying to do, or even what Family Feud was. Apparently I was the only kid who grew up watching the Game Show Network. After explaining it, I started to ask the questions one student at a time. I realize now that I did not tell them that answers were supposed to be in general, not personal. The first question I asked was, “What is your worst habit?” This was when I realized just how indecisive my class was. It took some students five minutes to answer one question; the entire point of this was to say what first pops into your mind. In the show, you have one minute to answer ten questions, and, if you are successful, you win thousands of dollars. The students I polled were not fast enough, and it completely defeated the purpose. After this failed attempt, I asked the rest of the class. Unsurprisingly, the results were the same. No one could make a decision! I gave up quickly, rendering my experiment a failure. But why are we so indecisive? I have a hard time making decisions, but why? According to quora.com, “It is the fear of the consequences of being wrong...that creates hesitation.” As someone who is always worried about being wrong, this clicked for me. I never want to give a wrong answer, which makes it difficult to choose something in fear of it being incorrect. But, in this experiment, there was no wrong answer. David Kramaley, MSC Psychology Education student, believes that the more decisions you make, the easier it becomes to make said decisions. With that in mind, if I had continued to ask these students questions, would it have become easier? Quite possibly, yes. I learned a lot from this failed experiment. I learned that explaining what you are asking someone to do (before they do it) will better your results. I learned just how indecisive people are, and then I learned why that it is. But, most importantly, I learned that if I ever go on ‘Family Feud,’ I am not inviting my journalism class along! |
A contestant competes in the final portion of the game show ‘Family Feud,’ called “Fast Money.” Some interesting results followed my experiment, in which I conducted a similar game on my peers. Picture credit: http://nj1015.com/flammia-familys-last-family-feud-today/.
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Going to school every day is not always easy. Waking up at 6:00 in the morning, showering, getting dressed, and eating breakfast by 7:15 so you are in your desk ready to learn by 8:00? Sign me up, right? But, imagine doing all of this every day, and from the second you sit in your desk to the second you get off of the bus, you get picked on, yelled at, or even physically hurt. This is the daily routine for one out of every six students in the United States.
In my opinion, the topic of bullying is talked about way too much. One cannot walk into a school without seeing anti-bullying campaigns everywhere, and the Internet makes it nearly impossible to escape stories and controversies surrounding the topic. Starting off, those anti-bullying campaign signs you see? They really are not effective. Telling someone not to bully is like telling someone not to look over in a certain direction; inevitably, someone will look over there, just as someone will bully. “I think it’s always good to talk about the problems that we have,” said Senior Shannon Frizzell. “If we don’t talk about it, nothing is going to get done. But, talking about it in the ways that we do and having all of these campaigns, it doesn’t really work.” Bullying is, in a sense, taught. Kids learn to be mean from their parents, who learned it from their parents, and so on and so forth. “A lot of parents have a big impact on [bullying], like with racism,” said Senior Autumn Lewis. “If a parent is watching the news and they make an offhand comment, the kid could retain that, go to school, see a kid who is a different race, and just automatically think hatred because of a parent not being careful.” Parenting is an entirely different beast, but Lewis also mentioned, “We can’t just teach them in high school, because by then, it’s a learned behavior.” By high school, those who bully are not keen on changing their habits. But, even in the younger grades, the chances of fixing bullying are slim. “I don’t know if there’s a way to fix bullying, except for instilling kindness in children and raising them with compassion,” Frizzell added. “From day one, we need to teach our kids that bullying is not okay,” continued Lewis. Comforting and helping a victim is something that anyone can do. If you see someone being bullied, help them out. Sit with them at lunch, get to know them, be their friend. You would be surprised to know just how much that helps. “To the kids that are being bullied: understand that everyone has problems, and everyone has things that nobody else sees,” Frizzell said. Bullies are bullies because they might be insecure, but being insecure does not mean that you have to take it out on someone else. “The more kids get bullied, the more they start to believe stuff about them, even if it isn’t true,” Lewis said. So, in this sense, the more you bully, the more bullies you create. Bullying arises from a lack of confidence and a lack of security, which is a veneer upon many due to bullying. No matter what, there is one thing that is for certain: you are not alone. Bullying is a serious topic, but you do not have to face it by yourself. It may be difficult talking to someone, but that one conversation with a parent, teacher, or high school guidance counselor could end your bullying problem, thus possibly saving your life. Counselor Tyson Roe wants students to know that his doors are always open. “There’s only so much that we can see,” Roe said. “We can stand in the hallways, but on the outside, you two could be just friends bantering back and forth, but if it hurts your feelings and you don’t tell anyone, how are we supposed to know that you are being bullied?” Roe brings up a great point: bullying is not always purposeful. You could say something that you personally would not take offense to, but someone else might. The old rhyme about sticks and stones is not accurate; words hurt more than anything someone could throw at you. “I think that a lot of times, kids just assume that, ‘oh, I can say mean things at school but when I go home, it’ll be fine and it’s not a big deal,’” said Lewis. “But it follows you home; it’s the stuff that you think about at two in the morning.” Bullying makes someone feel abandoned, isolated, or even unwanted. It is an extremely tough situation to be in, and even though it can never be fully eradicated, knowledge, awareness, and maturity about the subject could be what inevitably saves someone’s life. |
Sophomore Beau Santistevan hides away, while Juniors Eli Passwater and Gabby Eaton laugh at his mistakes on the basketball court. Though a frequent topic in today’s society, bullying is something that cannot be overlooked.
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Field Trip across the pondTons of effort has been put in, and finally, it is paying off; twelve students and two teacher are headed to Greece and Italy over Spring Break.
BY RILEY HOVELAND For a year and a half, World History and Government teacher Stormy Taylor and US History and World History teacher Clara Clark have fought, fueled, and fundraised for the opportunity to fly across the pond and take twelve devoted students to the great countries of Greece and Italy. This trip may be costly, but it is extremely important. “It allows for students to experience different cultures,” said Taylor. Taylor has never visited these countries herself, and is ecstatic about finally seeing in person what she has been teaching about for years. This trip will help both her and Clark “gain first hand experiences for teaching.” Unlike Taylor, Clark has visited these countries before. One of Clark’s favorite experiences while visiting Greece and Italy was “❲walking❳ down the street and ❲hearing❳ a multitude of languages and cultures that we don’t get to hear here.” Clark is overjoyed to be returning to these countries. Speechless, Clark was in awe of such monuments as Michelangelo’s David and Pompeii. She described the entire trip as “surreal,” and cannot wait to visit again this spring. Senior Grant Ozegovich has wanted to attend this trip ever since he first heard about it a year and a half ago, and has been ferociously fundraising ever since. He loves Greek mythology, and has family from Greece. Ozegovich is most excited to taste the “authentic European food,” as well as meet other people and experience new things. Due to the recent conflicts in Greece with Afghanistan, some may be worried about the dangers of traveling, especially as an American. However, the program that thegroup is going with informs Clark and Taylor of any dangers in the areas they are visiting; if necessary, the program will allow the group to pick another country to visit that is not in danger, but equal in value as Greece and Italy. The group will be gone from March 24 to April 6, for a total of ten days out of this country. Sites such as the Parthenon, Colosseum, and the Sistine Chapel are on the itinerary, as well as much more. They will be spending four days in Greece, four days in Italy, and two days traveling. If you are interested in supporting the group, there are two upcoming fundraisers. The first is “The Taste of Mediterranean,” which is an evening of wine tasting and tapas and a silent auction. This takes place at the Bell Lobby in the Bigfork Center for Performing Arts on November 19 from 5pm-7pm. Next, the students are creating a Christmas tree that will be auctioned off during “The Festival of Trees” gala at the Bigfork Museum of Art and History on November 20. Finally, the group will be selling handmade items during the Holiday Stroll at Marina Kay on Wednesday, December 2. Contact Taylor, Clark, or any student who is attending for more information. |
Senior Grant Ozegovich poses like the Greek hero he knows he is inside. A group of students and the two history teachers are flying across the pond to visit the great countries of Greece and Italy in the spring of 2016.
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This month, the Norse Code staff decided to do something a little different. We have provided the questions and answers, but now it is your job to guess which teacher was interviewed:
BY RILEY HOVELAND Favorite novel? Winter Dance by Glenn Paulson. Favorite album? One of Alison Krauss’s, probably. Least favorite song? “The Song That Never Ends,” definitely. Worst grade you ever received in a class? B+, in Advanced Personal Management in college. Favorite teacher you’ve ever had? In high school, it was probably my band teacher, Mrs. Morrisson. In college, I would have to say probably Mr. Ocktar, who was the professor at MSU, who taught Economics so that it made sense to me. Most memorable assignment? I’m not a fan of history, but when I was a senior, I talked the history teacher into letting us write a book about the history of our home town. The tribe around my town put in money to publish it, and it was very fun! My friend and I were the editors. Quirks? I talk to myself a lot... Pet peeve? Probably the thing that gets on my nerves the most is when I have students who give me an excuse for something that is totally just unbelievable, or that they have used before, so probably repeat excuses. Fun field trips that you went on as a student? I grew up in Arlee, there wasn’t a lot. We went to the fish hatchery, that’s probably all I remember. Now it is your turn….Teacha who? |
Students at Bigfork High School have mixed feelings about homework. Some believe it is beneficial, but many believe that it is pointless.
BY RILEY HOVELAND Homework is a high school stereotype that most schools, including Bigfork High School, abide by. However, students have mixed feelings about having schoolwork outside of school. Both Junior Ross Coleman and Sophomore Gaby Eaton agree that homework is just busywork assigned by teachers because they think they have to. “I think that sometimes it’s kinda pointless,” said Eaton. Freshman Augie Emslie also thinks that homework is pointless, even though he always does what is assigned. “It’s pointless to do it after school, when you’re [already] in school for seven hours,” he said. Freshman Kimby Moroldo is on the other side of the spectrum. “[Homework] is important, but I just don’t have any motivation to do it,” she said. Junior Shannon Frizzell said, “[Not doing homework] could be out of laziness, or lack of motivation, or they might be too busy.” Many students believe that they have better things to do than homework, or they just could not care less. A common sight at Bigfork is seeing students busily finishing homework that should have been done the night before. Sighs of relief spread through the classroom when a teacher announces that they will not be grading last night’s assignment. “Some kids don’t care about school,” said Freshman Castor Conley, which is indeed observed if you take a look inside a classroom. Coleman, and many others, believe that teachers should not grade homework. “It’s kinda like practice,” said Coleman. Some teachers, such as Josh Feller, do not grade homework. Jodi Carter grades on completion, not whether you get the answer right or wrong. However, teacher Charlie Appleby grades on what you received on the homework assignment. “In most English classrooms homework is graded based both on completion and on quality,” said Appleby. “I believe if the student must take the time to do the work, it should be important enough for me to grade.” Homework will always be around, and there will always be students who do not complete it. The debate of whether homework is pointless or beneficial will also forever be incomplete. |
Freshman Michael Bedford is a trained martial artist, but the Korean art of taekwondo is not just fighting. BY RILEY HOVELAND Everybody has a passion. For some, it is dance. For others, it is horseback riding, but for Freshman Michael Bedford, his passion is taekwondo. Bedford has been training in the Korean martial art for seven years, and it was his dad introduced him to it. “[He] wanted me to take self defense,” said Bedford. “ and I wanted to do [it], too.” Bedford works with Big Sky Martial Arts, in Kalispell. His father thought it would be a “good place to start.” Bedford has won multiple state championships, as well as making it on the national team and the cadet team for the state of Montana. He has also won many gold medals across the country. Bedford considers himself “[at the] expert [level],” as he is currently at a second degree black belt, which is a senior level. “I plan on doing it throughout high school,” said Bedford. At the rate he is going, Bedford will reach third degree black belt by his senior year. But taekwondo is not just about the fighting. Bedford has made tons of friends throughout his years doing martial arts, with whom he plans on staying in touch with for a long time. His parents are also extremely supportive. “They are very supportive of me defending myself, as well as fighting in competition,” said Bedford. On top of it all, Bedford manages a 4.0 GPA and plays football, basketball, and tennis. However, Bedford does not just see taekwondo as fighting. “I see it as a great way to work out and stay fit, and learn how to defend yourself. It’s a good way to set goals for the future,” Bedford said. This sport is intense and dangerous, but the deeper meanings are what truly captured Bedford’s attention. “My favorite part would be the strategy, and how much thought that goes into it,” said Bedford. Taekwondo may not be a school-recognized sport, but what Bedford has learned through fighting will stay with him for life. |
Rumor has itMany students at BHS are being bullied via anonymous applications such as “Yik Yak,” and the bullies are right under our noses.
BY RILEY HOVELAND Anonymous applications-such as Yik Yak-have become increasingly popular. Since its release last year, it has become “one of the top 10 most downloaded social media apps in the country,” according to usatoday.com. Yik Yak’s Privacy page states, “When you download and use our mobile app, we assign you a username, but we do not collect your name or email address.” There is no way one could track you, leaving your presence on this application completely unknown. This app may seem like a fun way to share your secrets without anyone knowing, but apps like this can ruin teenager’s lives. Junior Jonathan Landon was one of the many students who was targeted via Yik Yak. Anonymous bullies posted less than 200 character statements telling “JL” (Landon himself) to “kill himself,” as well as “telling” him that he “was not going to amount to anything, and the best thing for him was to not be liked.” This would make anyone feel small, inadequate and deficient, but Landon just “took a step back.” He unplugged himself and did not let this hate get to him. He realized that these anonymous users just wanted attention, and he was not going to give it to them. “People go behind a screen and feel like it’s okay to just talk about people behind their back.” said Landon. Without knowing who said these hurtful things, you could unwillingly be telling the bully your secrets because you think you can trust them. Wandering through the hallways, knowing someone in your school, someone you trust, is bullying you and not knowing who it is, can be tough. “People coming up to me and asking if I’ve seen it [the posts].” said Landon. He had not downloaded the app, therefore not seeing what people had written about him. Landon knew the rumors spread were not true, and he did not let the bullying change him. He stayed a good person, and did not believe a word of the hate. “Stop caring about it.” Landon addressed to those who are being cyberbullied via Yik Yak or other anonymous apps, such as Whisper or Secret. “They don’t know [you].” If you are being bullied- whether it be cyber, physically, or just with words-do not be afraid to speak out. Every teacher here at BHS would be happy to help, as would your parents and your friends. These things may seem like they matter, but, as Landon stated, “People just need to feel good about themselves, so they make other people feel worse.” The best way to stop anonymous hate is to not download applications such as Yik Yak. Downloading just fuels the fire. Though there can be funny posts, the hate and the bullying outweighs the humor. While it is true that “sticks and stones will break your bones,” words WILL surely hurt you. |
Junior Jonathan Landon, Freshman Kayli Galbraith, Junior Keaton O’Connor, Junior Autumn Lewis, and Senior Courtney George demonstrate how easily hurtful rumors can spread throughout the hallowed halls of Bigfork High School. Today, bullying also happens anonymously on applications such as the popular Yik Yak.
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February 14: the true opinionsWhether you are single, crushing, or in a committed relationship, Valentine’s Day is coming up. What do the students here at BHS really think about February 14th?
BY RILEY HOVELAND It is that time of year again. Flowers, chocolate, and romance is in the air. Welcome to Valentine’s Day in high school. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you might be fretting for a gift, or trying to plan the perfect surprise for your loved one. If you are among the 50.2% percent of Americans who are single, Valentine’s Day is just another day. Many assume that everyone either loves or hates February 14th. But how do the students of BHS really feel about this “Hallmark Holiday?” Senior Aaron Luna believes that Valentine’s Day is “a useless holiday.” However, Senior Gus DiPaulo enjoys Valentine’s Day. “I like the more romantic aspect of it, not the buying things.” said DiPaulo. “You can have a really meaningful Valentine’s Day gift or card just by really imparting your feelings into it.” Gifts on Valentine’s Day are a stereotype, but according to Freshman Olivia Martel, “it doesn’t have to be like anything expensive, just something to show that they care.” Freshman Madison Gardner, however, likes the stereotypes the go along with Valentine’s Day. “They keep your hopes up.” Gardner said. Many students plan to talk to their crush soon, perhaps even on Valentine’s Day. “I might [talk to my crush.]” said Martel. “I should.” “Oh, I definitely will.” said DiPaulo. “In fact, I have something planned for Valentine’s Day.” Whether you enjoy Valentine’s Day or not, you cannot avoid the love that is in the air during the first two weeks of February. |
Senior Tyler Iverson hands Junior Miranda Campbell a Valentine, while his ‘side chick,’ Senior Josie Spoklie, hangs off of his shoulder. Valentine's Day has both its haters and its worshippers.
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For the month of January, the Norse Code staff interviewed Sue Zielanski, the Accounting, Personal Finance, and CBA teacher at BHS. Here are some trivial facts and opinions you may not have known about Mrs. Zielanski:
BY RILEY HOVELAND How long have you been teaching? I think this will be my 35th year. Favorite movie? “The Shawshank Redemption.” Celebrity you would want to be best friends with? Sandra Bullock, she’s funny. Least favorite novel? I could not get through “The English Patient.” It was a great movie, but I couldn’t get through the book. Favorite quote? “Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Theodore Roosevelt. Favorite day of the year? Halloween. I love Halloween. Favorite sport? Football, but I don’t really have a favorite team. I don’t really watch sports anymore, but I’d have to say the Bobcats. If you could commit any crime without being arrested, what crime would you commit? I could never commit a crime. I’d feel so guilty, and the stress of being found out. My accounting students want me to embezzle, but no! Favorite thing to nerd out about? I have to say using computers in my class, and finding new things to do in my class. Oh, and Pinterest. Secret hobby? I don’t really have a secret hobby, but I have lots of hobbies, like I like to knit, sew, and make things for my grandchildren, and walk. All sorts of crafts! If he was trapped on a desert island, with one teacher, who? One teacher...I would pick Mr. Kelly, because he would be a resource of entertainment and knowledge. addressing the elephant in the room |
Sue Zielanski types faster than a speeding bullet as she blows the competition away in the popular typing game NitroType. Mrs. Zielanski was the victim of this month’s “Teacha Who?”
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No matter how much one tries to ignore it, teenagers-especially in high school-are discovering who they are, and what they are interested in. Sexuality can be ignored, but ignoring it will not make it go away.
BY RILEY HOVELAND High school is hard enough, with tests to take, friendships that falter, and young love that blossoms, without the added pressure of being judged for who you are. Sophomore Daniel Sewell, openly pansexual for over a year, notes that Bigfork High School is much less spiteful than one may presume. When asked if he’d ever been verbally assaulted for his sexuality, he replied, “Seldom. It’s honestly a lot less than I was expecting.” Freshman Patrick Lester, openly bisexual since the eighth grade, stated blatantly that he had indeed been verbally assaulted for his sexuality, but only once or twice. Lester said that it was “in very mild ways.” Neither Sewell nor Lester had been physically assaulted, which may have been due to the time that they came out. Sewell came out his freshman year, and when asked what he believed the differences may be from coming out in middle school, Sewell said, “[There] probably would’ve been more bullying, more people freaking out. [In high school,] people are more mature than in middle school, but less mature than in college.” Lester thinks that when you come out also has to do with the urge to be ‘popular.’ “Coming out in middle school, you’re at a time where you want to impress everyone and you want to be the cool person.” said Lester. “You’re about to enter high school, where you want to prepare to be the best and be popular. I believe there are differences about how you want to be popular.” Teacher Lou Jessop is known for leading many powerful and opinionated discussions in his Freshman English classes, including topics such as gay marriage. However, Jessop does not believe that sexuality and academics are related. “If they are related, indirectly.” said Jessop. “They [LGBT community] might be really capable of handling diversity because of it, or they may have shut down in a similar fashion, and withdrawn, instead of facing challenge.” Neither Sewell nor Lester has felt a change in their academics since coming out, but they have indeed felt a shift in their social lives, especially when faced with people who are homophobic. Sewell said, “If people are like that, then I don’t want to be associated with them.” Lester agrees, stating, “I am comfortable with their opinion. I don’t get angry at them for it.” Both Sewell and Lester are proud of who they are, and will talk about their sexuality willingly. So why is it so hard for others to talk about? Jessop believes that “words like gay and fag should be talked about.” “Not addressing the elephant in the room will not make it go away. Even though the majority of Bigfork High School seems accepting, one cannot just let issues like this go unnoticed.” said teacher Charlie Appleby. For things like this, communication is key. The more we talk about it, the less one will be afraid of it, possibly lessening the amount of homophobic people. The moral is that one should not be afraid of something they know nothing about. Learning about a topic is the first step to accepting it, and allowing those who are gay, bisexual, pansexual, or any combination to not be afraid of being judged for who they are. As Jessop stated, “Many of us are carrying around a whole bunch of experiences that no one knows or understands, because they haven’t walked in our shoes.” |
Freshmen Breanna Hathaway and Kaitlyn Flink are accepting of any kind of relationship. Sexuality in high school is a topic many to not dare to delve into.
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Winter Formal-a time of dresses, dances, and...dates? Some may skip the date this year and go single, but which one is more enjoyable?
BY RILEY HOVELAND It is that time of year again. Walking through the hallways of Bigfork High School, one may hear a girl seemingly randomly scream out “YES!” No, she was not just proposed to. She was asked to Winter Formal. But some may not want to go with a significant other, they may want to attend the ‘pre-prom’ alone, or with friends. But which one is better? Senior Kera Leslie, who has attended dances as both a single and a couple enjoyed both immensely. Leslie said, “[Going single is] pretty nice, you get to do whatever you want....You don’t have a partner going, ‘Hey, no.’” Sophomore Kayleigh Henion preferred her couple experience last year at Prom. “It was really fun.” said Henion. “I wasn’t dating the guy, so it was more like friends. But I really enjoyed it.” Senior Courtney George agrees with Henion. “Single isn’t as fun as going with a date, because you don’t have that person you know you can always dance with. Sometimes, at Bigfork, everyone has that person they go with, and there’s not really a big group of people who don’t have one.” said George. “Going with a date is really fun, because you get to go to dinner with them and hopefully it’s a person you want to spend your night with.” Senior Makena Morely, who has never attended a high school dance, shared her ideas on the subject. “Single, you might have more fun, but I don’t know. You have fun both ways, but single, you can dance with your friends more, and if you’re as a couple, you can dance with your boyfriend or girlfriend, or you can dance with your friends too.” said Morely. “I don’t know which one would be more fun. I feel like they like them both. If you’re a couple, you like it, and if you’re single you like it.” Whether you go alone or with friends or with your boyfriend/girlfriend, school dances such as Winter Formal can be as fun as you make them. Dances are a quintessential school experience, and having a night out can be much better than a night at home. |
Senior Kera Leslie knows there is nothing to lose and nothing to prove, so she demonstrates the proper Billy Idol style and dances with herself. Should you go to the next high school dance alone or with someone else?
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BY RILEY HOVELAND
Favorite book? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Favorite movie? “The Matrix.” Favorite band? Foo Fighters, Collective Soul, and Matchbox 20. Hard to decide between them. Least favorite song? Easy. “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani. If you could back in history, who would you like to meet? Nikola Tesla Favorite number? 19. My grandfather’s cousin-Bob Feller-was a baseball player, and that was his number. It’s now “The Feller Number.” Favorite male celebrity? Keanu Reeves Favorite female celebrity? None. They’re all annoying. If you could learn one random skill, what would it be? I really want to learn piano, but I have short fingers. If Hollywood was to make a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Giovanni Ribisi. What’s the most daring thing you have ever done? I have gone cliff diving. Not exactly very high, but I still jumped. What’s your least favorite math concept? Probably differential equations. I love them, but I despised the college professor who taught them to me. |
Teacher Josh Feller refused to become a model, so he drew us an artistic rendition of Algebra 2. Did you know that Mr. Feller loathes the song “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani?
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Student athletes have notoriously tight schedules. With school, practice each day and games or meets sometimes multiple times a week kids find it hard to find time or energy to complete homework, and often miss class.
“During cross country, practice takes longer during the season, so I usually have less time to do homework, and I don’t feel like doing it as much.” said Junior Logan Morley. This is not an uncommon feeling. Junior Lana Berg agreed. “You’re usually really tired when you go home and you don’t want to do homework.” Less time is not the only consequence of sports. According to Senior Megan Pancoast, “I lose sleep, that’s what happens, because I have to maintain my grades.” Sleep is precious for any high school student, especially an athlete. “I focus less on schoolwork during class in-season.” Pancoast added. Less focus in class means less understanding of the material, which can make homework challenging. Here at Bigfork High School, there are plenty of ways to get your grade up. Teachers offer students-especially student athletes-a chance to raise their grade from failing to passing. This is called a studyback. If you receive a studyback, you have a D or F in a class and you have to come into the school an hour early for a mandatory study hall for three days. Senior Logan Morley said “Studybacks probably hurt their athletics...but they help them get their grades up.” Studybacks are not the only support our school ahs for student athletes. Bigfork High School also has period-long study halls, where you can complete your homework if you do not have enough time in class or at home. “Study hall really helps.” said busy Freshman athlete Logan Taylor. Even though Bigfork High School has multiple support systems for student athletes, we could have more. Sophomore Matt Farrier said, “Teachers should treat athletes differently because they have less time to do homework, and they don’t know what their out of life is like after practice.” Pancoast agreed. “They ❲teachers❳ should realize that if we don’t have the time, that there’s a reason for that.” But not all students or teachers believe athletes should be given special consideration. “As a coach I try to remind my kids that they are student athletes, not athletes that still go to school.” said teacher Charlie Appleby. "When I was in high school, both sports and after school jobs made my job as a student more difficult, but also kept me organized, out of trouble and able to schedule my time much more efficiently.” Whether it be through study backs or just hard work, balancing grades and sports can be a challenging thing, but a very rewarding thing as well. |
Freshman Beau Santistevan “dominates both on the court and in the classroom.” Does Bigfork High School do everything that it can to support student athletes?
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High school lasts for four years. There are experiences such as Algebra, Biology, History, and the like. But, there are also relationships. For instance, many of Lou Jessop’s Freshmen English classes would say that social education is as important, if not more important, than academic education. How does dating affect your academic education, the real reason you’re in school?
For some people, like junior Shannon Frizzell, grades haven’t really been a problem. She has not noticed any changes in her grades since she’s started dating BHS graduate Danny McVay, a year and a half ago. But, junior Keaton O’Connor has. He stated that he gets “pretty good grades,” but that he has had a “huge improvement” when it comes to grades after he began dating sophomore Maddie Duke a mere three months ago. He brought up that he also found there was “more to life” now that he has Duke. Sophomore Kayleigh Henion has been dating junior James Olechowski for about a month and a half. She is a 4.0 student, but her grades have not dropped since she started dating Olechowski. During her entire interview, Henion was blushing and smiling from ear to ear. Senior Isaac Passwater kept it real, explaining that dating senior Grace Rehbein has improved his already good grades. He also said that his personality has changed “for the better.” Passwater stated that since dating Rehbein, he can focus even more on school. Does this information mean that dating improves your grades, as well as your focus level? It does at BHS. |
Freshmen Melissa Maitland and Shane Rieke hold hands to symbolize a school appropriate form of affection. Dating is impossible to avoid in high school, but does it affect your grades?
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Van Whye, Sherman, and Taylor give their opinions on the dress code.
By Riley Hoveland and Melissa Paulsen School’s in again, meaning we’re all back to abiding by a dress code.
“But this year it’s enforced, so many people feel it is stricter,” Senior Jude Daniels said. Is it a change in authority? Perhaps. After interviewing a few teachers, we got some inside scoop. “You have to pick and choose your battles,” new teacher Christi Van Whye said. However, veteran educator Stormy Taylor feels the dress code is rather fair. Taylor doesn’t plan on using many violation slips, but she has used them in the past for hats. Both Van Whye and Taylor agree that the dress code should be constant throughout the school district. Though Van Whye also agrees with most of the dress code, she believes that the skirt rule is unjust-feeling that the length of shorts and skirts should be to the fingertips and not to the knees-and feels that the code should be enforced equally among both genders. They both think that opposite sex teachers, especially males, may feel uncomfortable when having to acknowledge the problem. Another opinion came from librarian Scarlet Sherman. She expressed how it was that way when she was in school, thus making it standard in her opinion. She is also pro violation slip, stating that they “make the girls feel less awkward.” Taylor and Sherman both felt that the only actual change this year was the enforcement of said rule. The one thing all three educators agreed on was the fact that this dress code is reasonable. The dress code does not differ from last year’s, and Daniels believes that “students are overreacting about the dress code.” |
Senior Alauna Weilacher demonstrates proper dress code. Teachers give their opinions on the dress code.
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